My Ode to Sleep

Dear Family and Friends.

This week was a wee bit difficult for me. But that is the best! It is often in the face of adversity that we grow the most! Last Monday night I didn't sleep at all. It was just one of those nights where you stare at the ceiling -_- For the Last 42 days I have been striving to become more obedient. For me that means waking up on time. Lets just say I was pretty humbled this week. But I know that this next week is going be amazing and full of miracles.

So this week was pretty ok,

Monday we were in Pueblo and i honestly forgot what we did. I didn't write down notes for this week, so this Email might be a lil' bare boned lol. All I know is that i wrote 2 letters and read half of a really great book in one night due to lack of sleep. 

 

So I had to do some excel spreadsheet work for the last 20 minutes, so I am going to have to cut this email short.

Basically, we had exchanges again, and we got to teach a bunch of people. All in all a great week. We also went to Bent's Old Fort yesterday! 

I know this Gospel is true. I have prayed about it, thought about it, studied it, and most of all I have received an answer by the Holy Ghost. I testify of the divinity and mission of Jesus Christ. He lives and He loves us. 

I love you all, and I will write you next week! 

By the way, I'm Probably getting transferred, so hold onto those letters till I can tell you what my address is!

Love,

Elder Rogers

My Face everytime an investigator doesn't come to church. #heartbroken





My Future Ride

I'm SOOOOO HAPPPY TO BE ALIVE!

 Well, Brudas and Sistas,

 To combat all the negativity and lameness in this world, I just want you all too know that I am going to be starting a positivist movement. Just Start being super dope to people. Here is an example.

When you see an old lady crossing the street, go help her! Cliche i know, but the mere attempt of showing intersest in someone else will literally change your perspective. You will be amazed to see how many people you can make smile by simply getting to know them. We are all of infinite worth, why not find out why? Everyone is worth getting to know, well, most people are, but EVERYONE deserves kindness and love. No doubt about that. 

Anyways this week was Gospel mega funky disco music Dope!

Monday we Thrift shopped and bowled and I left my darn camera in the Car, and so, as the old addage says, Pictures or it didn't happen. So hopefully I did get to go bowling and hopefully it was super fun!

Tuesday we got to attempt to see people, but no one was home. This week was fairly slow, but thats ok, because it was still a good week. Lately we have been invited to a lot of cool events, like High School Graduation Parties and Eagle Scout Court of Honors. All very sentimental and nostalgic for me. So Tuesday night we stayed with the Pueblo West 1st ward Elders and had a great time. Elder Blatter and Elder Smith are just some great missionaries!

Wednesday we had Zone Conference at 8:30, where we received a Great on our vehicle inspection. Besides some pretty dumb questions asked by some missionaries, Zone Conference was soooo goood. The Lord definitely answers prayers, thats for sure! After Zone Conference we went to an Eagle Court of Honor, where they randomly gave me a shout out for being the extent of the Eagles nest. So, So awkward. But it was super good because it reminded me of the promises I made when I became an Eagle. Like i said, Nostalgic! 

On Thursday my amazing parents sent me a kettlebell for my birthday. Don't judge, its what I wanted! We then got to see some awesome people and weekly plan! Yay for Weekly planning!

Friday, I turned the big 1-9! Time is has officially reached maximum velocity. Darn it. Anyways, thank you all for all the Birthday wishes, the Ward i am in really took care of me. I got like 3 different cakes! I also decided to paint my Kettlebell and put an muhammad Ali Quote on it. It looks super dopt. The Quote is "I will Show you, How Great I am" #motivation. We also had exchanges that night, so Elder Mogle and Elder Nelson threw me a Birthday party! We played this sick italian Game called Bang. Think cowboys and sheriffs and outlaws and western. It was so funny. We also popped some Martinelli.

Saturday I received all those dope letters people sent me for my Birthday. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa and the Rogers Clan and Rogers Clan part 2! By the way mom, the Tooth brush is awesome! Im so blessed!

Sunday went swell, we were able to see some more people and help them come unto Christ. I love the Sacrament, where I get to renew the Covenants I have made with my Heavenly Father.

I won't soap box tooo much, but I will say this. You are not alone. If you choose Christ, you will never be alone. Be strong, Have Faith, and Act. You will be taken Care of. I testify to you that Christ's Church is on the Earth. Jesus Christ lives, Heavenly Father is there. Joseph Smith was a Prophet. The Book of Mormon is true. Find out for yourself, and never choose doubts. We are

allowed to be human, to fail. But we must choose Christ. We must CHOOSE to believe.

I love you all, thanks for being so amazing! 

Love,

 Elder Rogers

Me and my kettlebell, We Dancin'

Hey Y'all, Happy May!

Dear Loved ones,

This week was mega-super-funky-awesome-groovetastic.

Well, kind of. So It was a pretty slow week for us, but this next week will be better, because we won't have to go on exchanges!

So on Monday we stayed in La Junta! Yay!! We did service with the Stangers and built a fence, which prepared us for later, because we built a fence again! Also, they fed us chicken nuggets, but they weren't dino nuggets, but Im still grateful!!

Tuesday we had lunch with the most awkward love triangle ever. This member in our ward is extremely......lets just say he wants to be married very very badly. Well Bob, the guy who wants a wife, took us to lunch, but he also invited two potential wives! So awkward! It doesn't help that they are all 60+. Needless to say, I laughed quite a bit on the inside.

Wednesday we weekly planned and saw both Elijah and the Armstrongs. Elijah still wants to be baptised, but his mom still says no. -_- #ComeonSon

Thursday we got to...drumroll please.... TRACT!! We were in Rocky Ford, and we decided to contact a potential, and his daughter, Deseray, answered the door! We then shared the Book of Mormon with her, and she said we could come back! Whoop whoop! 

Friday, we had a dope Zone Training that I can't quite remember haha! Elder Clancy and I duo-ed it up and did some serve with an awesome family, the Sweetins, where I got compared to severally really old movie stars and Tom Cruise. Needless to say I liked these people! We also got to demolish a sweet old nasty dog house, and I went all Destroy Build Destroy on it. Minus the building part. We then went and did some concrete work for a fence! 

Saturday, we continued to exchange and I got to work with Elder Bennet. We got to do some tracting and some other stuff i can't remember, but we finally made it back for Dinner in Rocky Ford with our ward mission leader, Bro Snyder! 

Sunday was just super double dope! Not only did I get to partake of the Sacrament and renew my Covenants and think about my Savior, Jesus Christ, but I got to talk to my Mom and my Family. I cannot express how much I love my family. I am so honored to have been sent to live among the greatest people I know.  Shout out to my brothers who watch the show Gem. Also shout out to my sister for being beautiful and awesome. 

I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that He not only suffered and died for me. but He lived and lives still. With out Jesus Christ, I would be nothing. absolutely nothing. I love this Gospel. I am so grateful that God prepared the way for Joseph Smith to kneel down in that grove and ask which church to join. I often wonder that if he knew the heart ache and pain and eventual death he would face, if he would have still asked. I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I have read the Book of Mormon multiple times. I have prayed and prayed. and I have to where he gave his life. Where he sealed his testimony of Jesus Christ in his blood. I know he was a prophet. And I also know that without Christ, he would be nothing too. 

I love you all and miss you dearly. 

Love,

Elder Rogers, Your Hizzle fo Shizzle

Times Running Fast, The Best is Yet to Come!

Dear Loved Ones.

First, Y'all deserve an explanation to why I've been so quiet lately. About a month ago a recent convert who I love very much told me he only joined to church because he didn't want to let anyone down. I've been pretty wrecked over it, and I guess a by product of such lameness was that I became pretty lame at writing emails. So please forgive me and let me make it up to you.

For the last few weeks I have bee pondering John 17:3. It says that to know God and Christ is Eternal Life. Well, how do we get to know him. The answer is in 1 John 2:3-5. It will shed some light on why obedience is so important, and the benefits of keeping the commandments. Seriously, look it up. But most of all my biggest motivator for obedience is John 14:15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. I think this applies to more than just Christ, but anyone else in our lives. Love is all about words backed with action. I think life is too. 

Also, just as a side note, my birthday is on the 20th. of this month. Just so everyone knows. 

Also also, Mom, I want you to know just how thankful I am for you. I literally wouldn't be out here without you. Love you.

 So this week was pretty baller. We continue to slay out here in La Junta, Colorado. 

On Monday we were in Pueblo for District meeting and P day! It was pretty boring, not a lot was going on, but the Williams, basically the best members ever, took us out for some amazing barbeque. If your'e ever in Pueblo, definitely check out GG's Barbeque. It was sooooo good. Their sweet potatoes fries was perfect.

Tuesday we were in Rocky Ford, helping an investigator switch out engines! Man I didn't know that I loved mechanic stuff, but boy do I love being under a car, cranking away at some rusted bolt that takes twenty minutes to undo. Seriously though, It was a ton of fun and I learned a lot! Ive also been waking on time, which is a veritable miracle, ask my mom haha. We also tracted and talked to some pretty interesting people. 

Wednesday we rode our bikes! Man was I tender for the rest of the week. La Junta is just one big giant hill, and of course we live at the top haha. my quads are gonna be HUGE! But it was a pretty awesome day, and it felt way good to be active and spread the Gospel!

Thursday: We did some service for some great people, and then rushed off to Rocky Ford again to tract it up! We then had dinner with Bishop Efird, who is easily one of my favorite people ever. 

Friday: We volunteered at Santa Fe Trail Days in Las Animas! I really needed cowboy boots, but I survived! I have never cut up some many cakes and pies and brownies in my entire life. We were helping out our Investigator Dave Armstrong, and he was very grateful for our help. It was so worth it. I wish we could have been out and about in the masses, but they had us serving up desserts in the back! Thats ok, more sweets for meh. We also tracted into so pretty awkward situations. For example, the first door that we knock on this girl comes to the door and we do the whole missionary thing. We then ask the question " Do you believe in Jesus Christ" In response to this inquiry she yells back into the house and says "Mom do we believe in Jesus?" Face. Palm. A few houses down, we may or may not have interrupted a couples intimate moment. That was pretty awkward haha. 

Saturday we did Service from 7 to 3:30 then we weekly planned. It was a pretty low key day for us.

Sunday, we had a great Sacrament meeting and just a great Sunday. Word of caution, biking and fasting do not go together. Ever. We then had dinner with the Stangers, which is always the best.

I just want you all to know that I love you dearly. I am so grateful for this Gospel and the Blessing it is in my life. I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know Him and I want to know Him better. I also testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet. The Book of Mormon is true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christs Church. 

Love you all, enjoy your week, and love the Lord!

Yo' Home skillet

Elder Rogers

My new suede jacket

 



 

A little smolder for y'all

 

 

Dope Samurai Sword and my Zone leader

 

Nasty Turkey at a members house

La Junta

 

 

 Tracting in La Junta

 

Spreading the Gospel to the people of La Junta

Constant Conversion; Why a Testimony is not enough

Dear Loved ones.

How good it is to be alive! I have officially been serving our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ for a lil over 7 months. WAT. At least twice a week I visualize my mission as the most beautiful Ice sculpture that decides to start melting really really fast. I've come to the conclusion that the only way to slow it down would be to stop working but to quote James Roday "Come on son" We all know that ain't happening! 

Anyway this week was a party and a half! We didn't teach a whole ton of people, but, we committed 3 people to be baptized in the next month or so! What a miracle! This next week is going to be so great, I can't contain my pumpedness! Also, I started playing Magic the Gathering, and in doing so I have done something I never wanted to do. I think my nerdiness went up a solid 4 levels or so. Im only half ashamed.

On Monday we went thrift shopping and I found some dope shoes for real cheap, as well as some more slacks, because everything Im eating is going straight to the hips. 

Tuesday we were in Rocky Ford, one of my favorite places to be! We were able to tract for an hour and get rejected like a boss. But you know what, that's ok. Because we planted seeds! 

Wednesday: We went and saw Elijah, the golden child, and talked about baptism. When we asked him when he wanted to be baptized he responded " This sunday" Well we had to slow him down just a bit, but, he already considers himself Mormon. What a stud. 

Thursday: We went a saw a few people, and were able to teach brother Holdren, one of our investigators. He is reading the Book of Mormon with real intent, so i know he will get an answer.

Friday we had Zone Training, which was actually really great! The Zone Leaders talked about Consecration and resisting temptation. It really inspired me to give more and be more.

 Saturday we got to be in Las Animas and see some great people. What a blessing it is to minister. We then went to a barbeque with some Recent Converts and watched them drink and smoke, so I had to contain my righteous indignation. Its really unfortunate when people choose to use their agency in a really poor way.

Sunday was Awesome, I love partaking of the Sacrament, and coming closer to my Father in Heaven and also my Savior. Both the Armstrongs and Elijah came to church! What a great experience for them, to come closer. We gave the young men in the ward the charge to pray about with whom to share the Gospel with and Elijah said he would! Already doing missionary work!

Anyways, that was my week, sorry for the lack of details, it all blurs together.

So concerning the title of this email. A testimony is not enough to know Christ. We must use said testimony to seek out something called Conversion. There is knowing about Christ and there is knowing Christ. This difference is subtle but really important. The Apostle Peter knew that who Jesus was, yet he denied KNOWING him 3 times. It wasn't until Peter was converted, till he applied the knowledge he had, that he truly became who God wanted him to be. To be truly converted you must give your heart to God. Why hold on to what you want when you can have something so much better? If God is our Heavenly Father, the literal Father of our spirits, then He wants us to be happiest. Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. and when we serve Him, He wants all our heart, mind, might, and strength. I promise you that you can find happiness in any situation if you do this. I testify that Salvation is not a cheap experience. It isn't something trivial. I testify that Christ has made it possible. That He not only suffered and died for me, but He lived so that I know who to pattern my life after. How great is this life, that we get to live for Christ. 

I love this Gospel, and I love my Father in Heaven, and my Brother Jesus Christ.

Also, I love yall too

Yours truly,

Elder Rogers

 

Breaking Records Again. # La Junta For Life

WAZZ UP!

Well, this week was pretty baller. Swag Yolo. 

So on Monday the majority of the district went to Garden of the Gods, which is a sweet nature park in Springs. We walked around and saw big rocks, and jumped on big rocks, and did handstands and human flags on big rocks. I also go to break in those sweet joggers my family got me for Christmas. They were oh so very comfortable. 

Tuesday Elder Johannesson and I broke my previous record of 11 lessons by one, and taught 12 of God's children in one day, and found someone who is ready for the gospel!

Wednesday we learned how to do more family history, which was awesome! We tracted again, this time in the snow, and found another new investigator! His name is Eric and he is the first Jewish person I have met on my mission. Really nice guy, it will be fun teaching him! We then saw the Armstrongs, my favorite family we teach. They are the coolest. Brother Armstrong is so close, I can feel it.

Thursday:We Helped this lady named Patty move some furniture. then we taught some people. 

Friday: We were in Las Animas, and we got to see a lot of really awesome people there. We had dinner with the Dunhams, which was awesome, because they had the Death Gate Cycle on their book shelf, so I nerded out with them. Then we went to Sister Maldanado's house and nerded out again with her. It was the best.

Saturday we decided that we would break our own record and taught 16 lessons and found 2 new investigators. I love how the Lord blesses our efforts. By ourselves, we couldn't have taught even 1 lesson. I am too week. But through Christ I can do all things. I testify of that. 

Sunday we tracted again and taught a bunch of people, and found a new investigator. He is an interesting guy who is writing a fantasy novel. Needless to say we got along. So by the end of the week my companion and I and the Lord had taught 60 lessons. I am so grateful to have been entrusted with this area. It is so awesome. 

I testify that this is the true Church of Christ. He leads us and loves us. I testify that wickedness never was happiness. It just isn't. I testify Christ died and suffered for us. But He also rose and lives today. I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Joseph Smith was a prophet. Thomas S. Monson is a prophet. I know it. and I know it because I have pondered and studied and asked God. I love my Heavenly Father so much. I testify that with out Charity, we are nothing. I love this Gospel. I love this Church, but most of all, I love my Father and my Brother.

I love yall and hope your'e swell. 

Love,

Elder Rogers

Jesus Christ Is the Reason for me

Hello Beautiful People!

This week was awesome. We went to a place called Bishop's Castle which was super dope! But this week I want to just bare my humble testimony on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

So last week I wrote about a pretty sad experience I had. But I want you all to know that it's gonna be ok, and that I am doing great. It took me awhile, but I gave all that hurt and pain to Christ, and He gave me love back. 2000 years ago Jesus Christ came into the world. As Isaiah said, He was a Man aquainted with grief. He was betrayed by His friend and Crucified by His people. Whipped, beaten, and scorned. He bled from every pore. He died. For me. For my sins, my suffering, my pains,and my weakness. He decsended below all things. He was and is the Last Great Sacrifice. He Paid the price. And He did it all for me. And for you, and for all of us. Because He loves us. This Easter Season I declare that I know and love Jessus Christ. He is my Savior. The nails are not what held him to the Cross. It was His love for His brothers and sisters. For us. I testify that His Atonement happened and that where ever you are in life it can bless you. It will heal you. My invite you with all boldness to repent and turn with full purpose of heart to Him. Give up your sins and with those sins give Him your pain and guilt and burdens and trials. To quote my dad "Free Agency is a double edged sword. Armor up." I cannot tell you enough how amazing it feels. I love the Lord with all my heart and HE is the reason I am in Colorado. He is why I knock on doors, get rejected, and why I have peace.

I love you all, and have a great week!!

Love,

Elder Rogers

 

 

When Life gets Tough, the Tough get going. I Just rely on Christ

So I don't have the mental capacity nor the emotional willpower right now to talk about the week in super amazing detail, but here is how it went.

Monday: Elder Legaspi and I had our last P-Day. What a great day! I have no Idea what we did haha

Tuesday: We drove up to Springs so I could pick up my new boy! His name is Elder Aaron Johannesson, and he is from Blaine, Washington, on the Western Canadian border! He loves life and is a pretty solid guy, and we get along great. And he doesnt snore! woo hoo!

Wednesday: We went out and did the Lord's work. We had a pretty good day and he got his first taste of missionary work! Luckily for me he wants to work!

Thursday: We weekly planned all day, which was terribly long and boring, but 100% necessary!!

Friday: We found 3 new investigators and taught God's children, another great day!

We also had dinner with the Armstrongs!

Saturday: We had the privilege to help out some great people with some yard work and we also got to go to a baptism for an 8 year old we taught. It was really great.

Sunday: Probably one of the worst days of my life, my recent convert James told me he only joined the church because he didn't want to let his grandma down. Suffice to say that hurt, a lot. But you know what, that is his choice, and we gave him the information necessary for his Eternal Salvation. Luckily for me Jesus Christ has felt what I feel, and is always there for me. 

I know that this is the truth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's church upon the earth. I testify of the Book of Mormon, that it is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know it. Joseph Smith did see Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ is my Savior.

I love you all and miss you dearly!

Love,

Elder Rogers